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Easter Leafa

Gender : Female

Age : 16

Race : Native Pacific Islander

Date : 08/13/2024

Location : 4840 East 43rd Avenue

City : Anchorage

County : Anchorage

State : Alaska

Agency : Anchorage Police Department

Officer(s) :Alexander Roman

Cause of Death : Gunshot

Event : Killed by police in mental health crisis

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On the night of August 13, 2024, Anchorage Police responded to a disturbance at the Greenbriar Apartments located at 4840 East 43rd Avenue. The call was made by Easter Leafa's sister, who reported that the 16-year-old girl was threatening others in the apartment while holding a knife. Officers arrived at the scene and attempted to manage the situation by isolating Leafa from other individuals in the apartment. After officers asked her to show her hands, Leafa stood up and removed a blanket she was holding, revealing a knife at waist height. Despite commands to drop the weapon, Leafa advanced toward the officers. In response, Officer Alexander Roman fired three rounds, striking her. Another officer deployed a less-lethal projectile during the altercation. Leafa was provided with first aid on site and transported to a hospital, where she was declared deceased.
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The incident has sparked public outrage, particularly given Leafa's age and mental health background. She had been diagnosed with a mental health condition and had no history of violent behavior. The community has demanded further transparency, including the release of bodycam footage and an external investigation into the circumstances of the shooting​
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Agency Investigating: Alaska Bureau of Investigation

Last update: 11/26/2024

SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/crime-courts/2024/08/14/suspect-dead-after-shooting-involving-police-in-east-anchorage-police-say/
https://nextshark.com/anchorage-police-shooting-samoan-teen-easter-leafa